KSAs for Fiber Optic Technicians

(Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)

The ability to perform any job requires certain abilities, knowledge and skills, commonly referred to as “KSAs.” For the fiber optic technician, these KSAs have been determined from over 30 years of experience in actual installations and training. The FOA has developed this list to provide training organizations and instructors a list of subjects that should be included in a basic training curriculum for CFOT certification. For those working in the field who wish to become CFOT certified, it is also a list of relevant topics for study, whether using the FOA textbooks, the FOA Online Reference Guide or other sources.

This is for technicians and is not necessarily a guide for college level curriculum in science or engineering. Missing here are the theoretical aspects necessary, for example optics, for designing optical fibers and other components. College level classes will need to cover vastly more material including appropriate math and physics than is appropriate for the typical fiber optic technician.

KSA Requirements For FOA CFOT Certification

These basic KSAs apply to all advanced and specialist certifications also, with differences only in depth of knowledge and skills expected at that level.

Knowledge

Fiber Optic Jargon

Fiber optic terms

Metric System

Fiber Optic Communications Systems

How communications systems use light to transfer information

Components and their functions in a datalink

Sources: LED, Laser (FP, DFB, VCSEL)

Detectors (photodiode, APD; Si, Ge, InGaAs)

What determines how well a datalink transmits data

Optical Fiber

Types of optical fiber

Step index MM , graded index MM, SM, specialty fibers

Basic specifications that affect transmission

Attenuation, dispersion

Choosing the appropriate fiber for the system

Fiber Optic Cable

Types of cables and their applications

Tight buffer (simplex, zipcord, distribution, breakout)

Loose tube (loose tube, ribbon)

Specialty (OPGW, underwater)

Relevant specifications for applications

Water blocking, pulling strength, armoring, etc.

Choosing the proper cable for application

Termination and Splicing

Applications, appropriate uses

Relevant performance

Loss, reflectance, strength

Splicing processes

Mechanical

Fusion

Mass (ribbon) fusion

Hardware

Termination

Connector types

ST, SC, LC, MTP, legacy connectors, etc.

Termination processes

Adhesive (epoxy, anaerobic, HotMelt)

Prepolished splice

Prefab systems

Hardware

Testing

Microscope inspection

Visual tracing and fault location

Optical Power Testing

Loss Budgets

Insertion loss testing

OTDR testing

Long haul SM testing for CD and PMD

Fiber Optic Network Design

Evaluating communications system requirements

Designing the proper cable plant

Layout

Choosing components

Loss and power budgets

Documentation

Fiber Optic Installation

Evaluating needs based on cable plant design

Planning for the installation

Safety

Eye Safety

Tool safety

Chemical safety

Disposal of materials

Basic knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations

Performing Doing the installation

Documenting the cable plant

Skills

Fiber Optic Cable

Attaching pulling eye and rope to a cable

Pulling cable

Preparing cable for splicing or termination

Spicing

Preparing cable for splicing

Mechanical splicing

Fusion splicing

Termination

Identifying connectors

Preparing cables for termination

Installing connectors

Inspecting connectors

Testing

Microscope inspection

Visual tracing and fault location

Power Measurements

Insertion loss testing

OTDR testing

Abilities

Good eyesight with color rendition

Good hand-eye coordination

Use of hand and power tools

Analytical skills

Follow directions

Patience

Work in adverse conditions

And more than a little curiosity doesn’t hurt!

KSA Requirements For FOA CPCT Certification

The FOA CPCT Premises Cabling Certification requires knowledge and skills in the installation of both copper and fiber optic cabling plus cabling for wireless. As a result, the breadth of knowledge and skills for this certification is greater than many other certifications, but the depth of the knowledge is somewhat less. These KSAs are covered in depth as the CPCT can be taught independent of the CFOT for those whose work is only in premises cabling applications.

Good eyesight with color rendition
Good hand-eye coordination
Be able to use hand and power tools
Analytical skills
Follow directions
Patience
Work in adverse conditions

KSA Requirements For FOA Outside Plant Certification (CFOS/O)

The FOA has an Outside Plant Cabling Specialist Certification (CFOS/O) and these are the KSAs. OSP installation requires knowledge and skills in the installation of fiber optic cabling underground, aerial and undersea. As a result, the breadth of knowledge and skills for this certification is greater than other other certifications, but the depth of the knowledge is somewhat less.
Knowledge
Fiber Optic Jargon
Fiber optic terms
Metric System

Good eyesight with color rendition
Good hand-eye coordination
Be able to use hand and power tools
Analytical skills
Follow directions
Patience - GOOD, Very Important
Work in adverse conditions

KSA Requirements For FOA FTTx Certification (CFOS/H)

FOA has worked with many FTTx service providers and contractors to train and certify installation techs. While the FOA has a FTTx curriculum and certification based on the optical network, there is another category of FTTx tech who is responsible for customer premises installation. To cover that job function, we have added a second set of KSAs that covers the FTTx Customer Premises (CP) Tech to help trainers understand the needs of CP techs.Part 1. KSAs For FOA FTTx Tech Certification - CFOS/HFOA CFOS/H certification KSAs applies to techs interested in understanding the entire topic of FTTx, including FTTH architectures, components, protocols, etc.) It is assumed these techs are going to be designers, installers or managers of these projects. They may be involved in installing distribution and drop cables, OLTs and ONTs, FDHs, etc. so they need a thorough knowledge of PONs and associated hardware. Most of these workers, but especially the installers, should have a CFOT.KnowledgeThis assumes the tech has the basic knowledge of a CFOT or equivalent.What is FTTx? Why is it an issue now?The types of FTTx (FTTC (curb, also sometimes FTTN for node), FTTH (home), FTTP (premises), etc.Advantages/disadvantages of each type of FTTxDifferent types of FTTH architectures (active/P2P, PON)Advantages/disadvantages of different types of FTTH architecturesDifferences between PONs and traditional fiber networksStandardized PON network types (BPON, GPON, EPON, RFOG)Future developments in PONsPON network cabling architecturesCabling for single family and MDU (multi-dwelling) installationsPON cabling options (traditional fiber, prefab components, special components developed for PONs)Testing PONs (OLTS and OTDR)SkillsThose taking this course may be working in several areas - design, installation, service, even management. The skills for installation are similar to the CFOT but those with other job functions may need specialized skills appropriate to their total job responsibility.InstallationCFOT skills (cables, splicing, termination - generally prepolished/splice-on connectors, testing - PONs)For prefab systems, special handling, installation, cleaning, testingAbilities - InstallationCFOT abilities:Good eyesight with color renditionGood hand-eye coordinationManual dexterityUse of hand and power toolsAnalytical skillsFollow directionsPatienceWork in adverse conditions

There is another class of FTTH installers/techs that are mainly involved with the drops to the house, connecting the ONT to the PON network and then connecting customer devices (phone, Internet routers and TVs.) These techs require a different set of KSAs that may exclude the technical detail onn fiber included in the traditional FTTx tech but include installing the ONT, checking service connections, then connecting and sometimes providing service and training to the customer. Due to the limited fiber optics skills needed but the added installation skills used for UTP and coax copper cables and WiFi, a FOA CPCT certification would be good preparation.KnowledgeBasic knowledge of fiber optics (fiber, cable, links, installation, test)Basics of GPON systems (architecture, ONTs, OLTs, splitters)How ONTs work (connecting to the PON network, outputs for voice/data/video)Building and electrical codes relating to installation of premises cabling.Cabling for single family and MDU (multi-dwelling) installations (types of cable/connectors (fiber/UTP/coax), methods for installing cable indoors (depending on cable types, components chosen by the provider, may include penetrating walls, pulling cables in walls, sticking cables to molding, etc.)Termination processes used by provider (if not using prefab assemblies)Providing power to ONT including setting up backup power if used.Connecting and testing operation of ONTs.Connecting POTS phones with UTP cable (may include installing and terminating cable)Connecting computers to Internet (wired or wireless) and doing setup for PCs, MACs, Chromebooks, etc. (may involve installing Cat 5e/6 UTP cable to computer, setting up wireless access points, installing MOCA system on coax, routers and switches)Connecting TVs to ONT and setting up control boxes (may involve running coax cable including termination, connecting control boxes and TVs, programming TVs and remotes)How to deal with customers (how to dress, act, be courteous, answer questions, etc.)How to negotiate with customer on installation methods so they are not upset with the modifications to their residence made in the installation.How to clean up after installation to ensure the customer will be happy.SkillsCable and equipment installation (fiber installation using components chosen for the project (may include prefab cable assemblies, special drop cables, quick connectors, etc.), ONTs, UTP and Coax cable, power connections)Computer, phone and TV setup and troubleshootingUse of appropriate tools including woodworking tools for installing in customer premisesInstallation, programming and troubleshooting of phones, computers and networks (wired and wireless) and TVsDealing with people, explaining what you are doing, answering questions and showing them how to use the new equipmentAbilitiesCFOT Abilities (above)Patience in dealing with peopleEnjoyment of dealing with people